Schools Chief Faces Ouster Calls

ISLE OF WIGHT — Many Isle of Wight residents have signed a petition saying they don't want Michael McPherson back after his contract expires.

Some local residents are circulating a petition asking the School Board to get rid of Superintendent Michael McPherson when his contract expires next year.

About 1,500 people have signed it since April, and a handful of petition organizers hope to gather a total of 3,000 signatures by the July 13 board meeting, said Hayes Griffin, one of the organizers.

"The kids are the ones that suffer in the system the way it is now," said Griffin, whose four children and two grandchildren have attended Isle of Wight schools.

McPherson declined to comment, referring questions to Woodrow Crook, the School Board attorney.

"That's unfortunate," Crook said in response to the petition. "He's been a fine superintendent. He's one of the very best that this county has had."

Griffin said McPherson neglects schools on the southern end of the county, creates low employee morale and spends tax dollars inefficiently. Like other community members, Griffin is unhappy with McPherson's decision regarding an assistant superintendent. McPherson decided not renew the contract of Bruce Venter, whose last day is Friday. *